Edna Merlene Adams

Edna "Merlene" Adams, 90, of Paragould, passed away Thursday in Jonesboro. She was the daughter of the late Samuel and Leona Crow Hampton. She graduated from Dixie High School. Merlene married Buford Adams on December 30, 1950. They were married for 61 years before his passing in 2012. Merlene was a homemaker devoted to her family. She was a member of Harvest Baptist Church. In her spare time, she loved to sew and read. She also had a passion for crossword puzzles. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Preston, Alfred, and Sonny Hampton; and sister, Alma Hampton.

Merlene is survived by her children, Steve (Debbie) Adams of Paragould, Phillip (Beverly) Adams of Jonesboro, and Diane (Allen) Russom of Beech Grove; grandchildren, Nancy Jo Adams (Tony LaBlanc) of Paragould, Rachel (Adam) Rouse of Trumann, Lauren (Brian) Ward of Jonesboro, Lance (Ashley) Shepard of Jonesboro, Bryan (Kimmie) Shepard of Palm Springs, California, Christopher Russom of Beech Grove, and Elizabeth (Nick) McClelland of Enola; great grandchildren, Trinity Smith, Charlee and Maddox Adams, Luke and Lawson Ward, Kaylie Taylor, Emma, Addy, and Cole Shepard, Dixon Shepard, and Olivia and Isaac McClelland; and sister, Ruth Ann Hampton.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 1-2:30pm at Harvest Baptist Church in Paragould. The funeral begins at 2:30 under the direction of Heath Funeral Home with Packy Magel officiating. Burial is in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers are Christopher Russom, Isaac McClelland, Dennis Hampton, Keith Hampton, Michael Hampton, and Chris Hampton. Gary Ingram will serve as an honorary pallbearer. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Harvest Baptist Church Homebound Ministries, 4100 Linwood Drive, Paragould, AR 72450.